Transport Scotland has agreed to a six-month extension of CalMac’s current charter of MV Alfred.
The charter will now be in place until August 21 2024, with deployment plans set to be confirmed as soon as possible.
CalMac is working closely with owners Pentland Ferries to speed up a ramp modification solution to improve docking at Campbeltown and Troon when Alfred is sent to Islay.
Islay deployment will be restricted to operating to and from Ardrossan until these modifications are complete. Customers will be informed as these modifications progress.
Options to improve catering for customers, when the vessel is deployed on Islay, due to the extended passage time, are also being explored. Customers will be kept informed through service updates channels and at the time of booking.
Robbie Drummond, CalMac’s Chief Executive, said: “MV Alfred has been a valuable addition to the CalMac fleet and has provided much-needed resilience on the main Arran route while MV Hebridean Isles was off service for an extended period.
“Recent berthing trials have confirmed which ports she can operate out of and plans for her next deployment are now underway.”